Business Development Manager – PIC Packaging (Photonics)
Location: Netherlands (Hybrid / Remote flexibility)
Salary: ~€70,000 base + performance-based bonus
Industry: Photonics / PIC Packaging / Deep Tech
Overview
We are working with a fast-growing photonics company at the forefront of fibre-optic sensing and photonic integrated circuit (PIC) packaging. They are looking to hire a Business Development Manager to drive growth of their PIC packaging services across high-impact sectors including aerospace, defence, and quantum technologies.
This is a hands-on commercial role suited to someone who understands the photonics ecosystem and enjoys engaging in technical discussions-not just relationship management, but actively shaping opportunities from early-stage concept through to contract.
Key Responsibilities
- Identify, develop, and convert new business opportunities for PIC packaging services across target markets (aerospace, defence, quantum)
- Build and manage a high-quality sales pipeline, with a typical conversion cycle of 3-9 months
- Engage customers early in the design phase to position the company as a preferred packaging partner (“design-in” approach)
- Work closely with sales engineers and PIC packaging engineers to translate customer needs into technical and commercial proposals, including NRE structures
- Develop and maintain strategic partnerships across the photonics ecosystem (foundries, designers, integrators, OEMs, and suppliers)
- Identify and pursue funding opportunities (EU, ESA, and national programmes), collaborating with the CTO and partners on joint applications
- Represent the company at international conferences, trade shows, and industry events (expected attendance every 1-2 months)
- Continuously track market trends, competitor activity, and emerging opportunities within photonics and advanced packaging
Candidate Profile
Essential:
- Proven experience in business development or technical sales within photonics
- Hands-on experience closing deals (not just account management)
- Strong understanding of the photonics/PIC ecosystem, including packaging or closely related domains
- Experience selling complex engineering services or solutions
- Ability to engage in technical discussions with engineers and R&D teams
- Track record of building and managing a relevant, high-quality pipeline
- Proactive, self-starting mindset with a scale-up mentality
- Fluent in English
Required / Highly Preferred:
- Experience structuring commercial proposals, including NRE-based projects
- Stakeholder management across customers, partners, and internal engineering teams
- MSc or BSc in Engineering, Photonics, Physics, or similar
- B2B deep-tech sales experience
Beneficial:
- Existing network within the photonics ecosystem
- Experience in aerospace, defence, or quantum markets
- Familiarity with EU funding frameworks / consortia
- Dutch language skills
- German or French language skills
Working Style & Expectations
- Hybrid/remote flexibility, with regular travel to customers and events
- Strong focus on pipeline generation and quality over volume
- Opportunity to make a visible impact in a growing, highly specialised market
- Suited to someone who enjoys technical engagement and building opportunities from scratch
Why Join?
- Work at the cutting edge of PIC packaging and photonics innovation
- Direct influence on commercial strategy and market positioning
- Exposure to high-growth sectors (defence, aerospace, quantum)
- Collaborative, engineering-driven environment with real technical depth
Darwin Recruitment is acting as an Employment Agency in relation to this vacancy.
Veronica Gains